Priscilla and Aquila and all the rest: A Reflection based on Romans 16:
At the end of Paul’s letter to the Romans, there is a section that I usually skim over rather quickly, assuming that there is not much there that is very interesting or important. It is a list of people whom Paul “greets,” and it goes like this: “Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus….”
This time, as I read over all these greetings, I was struck by how much it seems Paul didn’t want to leave out any name. He seems to want to make sure he includes everyone, so the list is rather long. He also points out unique characteristics of each of these people he names. There are many compliments and gratitudes that flow throughout this long list.
It is obvious that he has great affection for these people, and even though he cannot see them, or be near them for the time being, he has not forgotten them, and he continues to encourage them and strengthen them.
Not unlike our own situation these days. We are spending time away from one another, not by choice, but because it is necessary. We don’t get to be with one another, and if we see one another, we don’t get too close.
So, Paul has given us a model for how to encourage and strengthen one another even from a distance. I miss being together with you, my congregation, but I also am filled with gratitude for your faithfulness and the care you show for one another. Thank you for your consistent hard work on behalf of the church of Christ. Thank you for checking in with one another. Thank you for trying to keep all of us safe and healthy.
Thank you also for your prayers. I know that among our congregation, there are many dedicated pray-ers, and there are times when I am conscious of these prayers lifting my spirits when I am tempted to get bogged down. Thank you for your faithfulness.
Paul ends his letter to the Romans with these words: “Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ… to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ, Amen.”
At the end of Paul’s letter to the Romans, there is a section that I usually skim over rather quickly, assuming that there is not much there that is very interesting or important. It is a list of people whom Paul “greets,” and it goes like this: “Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus….”
This time, as I read over all these greetings, I was struck by how much it seems Paul didn’t want to leave out any name. He seems to want to make sure he includes everyone, so the list is rather long. He also points out unique characteristics of each of these people he names. There are many compliments and gratitudes that flow throughout this long list.
It is obvious that he has great affection for these people, and even though he cannot see them, or be near them for the time being, he has not forgotten them, and he continues to encourage them and strengthen them.
Not unlike our own situation these days. We are spending time away from one another, not by choice, but because it is necessary. We don’t get to be with one another, and if we see one another, we don’t get too close.
So, Paul has given us a model for how to encourage and strengthen one another even from a distance. I miss being together with you, my congregation, but I also am filled with gratitude for your faithfulness and the care you show for one another. Thank you for your consistent hard work on behalf of the church of Christ. Thank you for checking in with one another. Thank you for trying to keep all of us safe and healthy.
Thank you also for your prayers. I know that among our congregation, there are many dedicated pray-ers, and there are times when I am conscious of these prayers lifting my spirits when I am tempted to get bogged down. Thank you for your faithfulness.
Paul ends his letter to the Romans with these words: “Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ… to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ, Amen.”
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